Kailh Box White V2 vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Kailh Box White V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) presents a fascinating study in contrasts. The Box White V2 is celebrated for its clicky design, offering a satisfying tactile feedback and an audible click that many typists find rewarding, making it an ideal option for those who thrive on the palpable response of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a completely different experience with its linear switch characteristics, noted for its resonant and clacky notes that provide a more muted auditory experience while still delivering smooth, effortless typing due to its impeccable factory lubrication. This makes it a fantastic choice for users who prefer a quieter environment or a more fluid keystroke. While each switch serves different user preferences—whether you seek the gratifying feedback of a clicky switch or the silky smoothness of a linear one—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), notable differences emerge in their top housings. The Box White V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, a material known for its rigidity and translucency. This contributes to a pronounced, high-pitched sound profile that resonates crisply when typing. The choice of polycarbonate not only enhances the auditory feedback but also makes the switches particularly effective for RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a Ly top housing which, while also delivering a bright sound signature, may not offer the same level ofCompatibility with RGB lighting. Both materials intend to produce a lively typing experience, but the polycarbonate's additional benefits in sound clarity and aesthetics make it stand out.
On the other hand, both the Kailh Box White V2 and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) share the same bottom housing material: nylon. Nylon is recognized as a classic choice for switch housings due to its softer properties, which absorb sound and lead to a deeper and more rounded auditory experience. This similarity results in a comparable sound profile when bottoming out the switches, as both models offer a fuller and deeper tone thanks to the nylon's acoustic properties. Thus, while the top housing of each switch contributes differently to the overall sound experience, their common bottom housing allows for a uniformity in the depth of sound produced when keys are fully pressed down.
The combined effects of these materials create a duality in sound that is characteristic of each switch. While the Kailh Box White V2's polycarbonate top produces a sharper and clearer auditory feedback during key release, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the bottom-out sound remains rich and rounded. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) presents a bright top housing sound in conjunction with a similarly deep and full-bodied bottom sound stemming from its nylon base. Ultimately, although they employ different materials for their top housings, both switches balance their sound characteristics effectively through the shared nylon bottom housing, allowing users to enjoy distinct auditory experiences while maintaining certain foundational qualities.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally accessible for keystrokes and offering a light typing experience that can be beneficial for prolonged use, whether for work or extended gaming sessions. However, the bottom-out forces diverge slightly, with the Box White V2 reaching a bottom-out force of 50 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2), which bottoms out at 52 grams. This means that while both switches provide a similar actuation feel, the Strawberry Wine (V2) requires a slightly heavier push at the end of the keystroke, giving it a more substantial feel that some users might prefer for its tactile feedback. In summary, the Kailh Box White V2 can be viewed as the lighter option overall, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) delivers a marginally heavier experience at bottom-out.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on either key. This equal travel distance results in comparable keystroke feedback, allowing for a similar typing experience between the two switches. Whether you prefer the distinct click of the Box White V2 or the smoothness of the Strawberry Wine (V2), you won't notice a difference in the depth of travel for each switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
The Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When comparing the sound of the Kailh Box White V2 and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches, distinct differences emerge. The Box White V2 is known for its crisp, tactile feedback combined with an audible click that emphasizes every keystroke, making it a highly engaging experience for those who enjoy the pronounced sound of a clicky switch. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switch produces a clacky and resonant sound profile with high-pitched notes, delivering a sharp and bright auditory experience. Its clacky nature adds a lively and snappy sound, while the resonant qualities provide an immersive feel that enhances the typing experience. While both switches offer satisfying audio feedback, the Box White V2 emphasizes a distinct click, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) leans towards a cleaner, more melodic sound.
In terms of feel, the Kailh Box White V2 is noted for its tactile feedback that gives a clear indication of actuation, making it suitable for typists who want to feel a pronounced response when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) aims for smoothness, characterized by an exceptionally silky typing experience due to an impeccable factory lube job. This results in minimal resistance during keystrokes, allowing for effortless typing. Although the Box White V2 stands out for its tactile bump, the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses on providing a fluid, smooth action, creating a different typing sensation that may appeal to users who prioritize glide over tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White V2 and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are designed for different preferences in both sound and feel. The Box White V2 offers a pronounced clicky sound with tactile feedback, making it ideal for users who enjoy auditory and haptic confirmation while typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a clacky, resonant audio profile paired with a silky smooth feel, catering to those who prefer a quieter, more fluid typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these options will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you enjoy a tactile typing experience with an audible click that provides clear feedback, the Box White V2 is a fantastic option, especially for those who appreciate a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, making it easy to type quickly and responsively. Its distinctive sound profile adds an element of satisfaction for users who relish the sound of each keystroke. Conversely, if you prioritize a smooth and silky typing experience, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would be more suitable for you, featuring a slightly firmer force of 52 grams that still leans toward a medium-light classification. The clacky and resonant sound profile captivates those who enjoy a more immersive auditory sensation while typing, while the impeccable factory lube job ensures that each keystroke glides with exceptional ease. Ultimately, it’s about balancing your desire for tactile feedback versus a smooth, noise-friendly typing feel, allowing you to choose the switch that best aligns with your keyboard experience.
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